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When Sir Arthur Evans was establishing the chronology of the Minoan period at Knossos in the early twentieth century, Robert Carr Bosanquet and his team from the British School at Athens began to define the contemporary sequence at Palaikastro in eastern Crete. One of the aims of the recent British School excavations at Palaikastro is to refine the early excavator's results and to explore social, political and environmental change within the Cretan Bronze Age. The discovery of two wells with undisturbed layers of the LM IB to LM IIIA2 periods (the fifteenth and fourteenth centuries BC) provided a rare opportunity to study the pottery chronology and development in detail, but also to look at diet, foreign connections, and religious practices at that time. One surprise was the discovery of the remains of several dogs related to the modern Cretan Tracer Hound. Another was part of an exquisite stone vase with dolphins carved in relief. This volume gives the first detailed template of LM IB to LM IIIA2 pottery at Palaikastro along with final reports on the wells' excavation and complete contents by members of the international team of specialists who excavate at Palaikastro. Volume contents:1. Introduction (L. H. Sackett, J. A. MacGillivray and J. M. Driessen); 2. Well 576: excavation and stratigraphy (S. M. Thorne); 3. Well 576: the pottery deposits and ceramic sequence (E. M. Hatzaki); 4. Well 605: Stratigraphy and Catalogue (J. A. MacGillivray); 5. The Late Minoan pottery (J. A. MacGillivray); 6. The ceramic petrography of LM III A2 conical cup fabrics (C. Doherty); The stone and terracotta finds (D. Evely); 8. The stamped seal impression on pot 251 (J. Weingarten); 9. The stone 'horns of consecration' or 'twin peaks' (J. A. MacGillivray); 10. The animal bones (S. Wall-Crowther); 11. Archaeobotanical observations (A. Sarpaki); 12. The fish remains (D. Mylonas); 13. Shells and snails (D. Reese); 14. Synthesis (L. H. Sackett and J. A. MacGillivray). ... Read more

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With a large amount of supporting evidence, this book argues that a sequence of changes in society triggered by the Santorini eruption, caused the collapse of Late Minoan IA/IB culture. The argument itself is not new but the careful study of the processes that took place after the eruption is unique. The authors argue that the natural diaster of Santorini caused major problems in food production and distribution which undermined the status of the ruling elites, leading to a process of decentralisation. The picture they present is that fragmentation of Crete into many small centres led, as in the Hellenistic period, to internal Cretan conflict and a massive wave of fire destructions in Late Minoan IB. The Mycenaean arrival on the island during the `crisis years' of LMIB-II restored order and by LMII a new Knossian elite seems to have taken control. The controversial arguments are backed up with closely-argued detail. ... Read more

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Philip P Betancourt revolutionised the study of Minoan pottery - just one of the many aspects of his career that led to his Gold Medal for Distinguished Archaeological Achievement. This volume presents some of the most recent studies in Minoan pottery using the techniques and methodologies pioneered by Betancourt. An essential collection for any scholar of Minoan pottery or of Aegean Prehistory in general. ... Read more

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A detailed study of the landscape in three regions of Crete examines the development, stability, and physio-chemicalcomposition of selected soils near three archaeological sites: Karphi,a Late Minoan IIIC "Refuge Site"; Chrysokamino, a Final Neolithic toLate Minoan IIIB Farmhouse; Vronda and Kastro near Kavousi, twoLate Minoan IIIC to Geometric SitesThe author offers conclusions on the history of the Cretanlandscape and its formation processes, and how those processescontribute to our understanding of the human use of thelandscape. The book is of interest both to those involved with the archaeology of Minoan Crete and to those who study thepedological history of other regions. ... Read more

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This volume presents the most up-to-date synthesis of the Neolithic and Bronze Age pottery sequence of Knossos, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Mediterranean and European prehistory.The Knossos pottery sequence has formed the backbone of Aegean prehistoric chronology for over a century, and this is the first publication since Sir Arthur Evans's Palace of Minos that provides - within one cover - a complete overview of the main ceramic developments, which have occurred at this key site during more than five millennia (ca. 6500-1100 BC).The volume is written by a small international team of archaeologists with extensive and first-hand knowledge of Knossian ceramics, whose work, over the years, has thoroughly questioned and modified previous dating of important ceramic assemblages and traditional definitions of ceramic phases. Their chapters present not only new updates of their previous works, but also a thorough re-examination of the stratigraphic and stylistic evidence currently available, and include previously unpublished material.The volume is provided with over one hundred black-and-white illustrations, and is accompanied by a CD with colour images of selected Knossian ceramics. It will be an indispensable work of reference for archaeologists working in the prehistoric Aegean as well as other Mediterranean and European regions. ... Read more

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A descriptive inventory, with numerous drawings and photographs, of more than 3,500 stone vases from the Minoan civilisation of ancient Crete. With few exceptions, Dr Warren has studied the vases in corpora. He arranges them into types, discusses the various stones used and their sources, methods of manufacture, the probable usage and purpose of the vases, and their relation to metal and clay vessels. A special study is made of the famous vases carrying scenes in relief. The final section summarises the history and stylistic development of the vases, and discusses the types, dating and distribution of those that were exported. Dr Warren also records Egyptian and Syro-Palestinian vases imported into Crete, since these are part of the corpus of stone vase material in the island and provide valuable indications of the foreign trade of the Minoans. ... Read more

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The Cypro-Minoan syllabary (CM) is an undeciphered syllabic script used on the island of Cyprus during the Late Bronze Age (ca. 1550-1050 BC) and has a similarity to Linear A on Minoan Crete, which CM is thought to be derived from. There are approximately 250 objects bearing Cypro-Minoan inscriptions, clay tablets, votive stands, clay cylinders, clay balls etc. This book is a reference of the symbols of the Cypro-Minoan.The relevant books of the author are:* Linear A* Minoan Lexicon* Learning Ancient Greek Linear B Vol. I* Learning Ancient Greek Linear B Vol. II* Learning Ancient Greek Linear B Vol. III* Learning Ancient Greek Linear B Vol. IV* Learning Ancient Greek Linear B Vol. V* Learning Ancient Greek Linear B Vol. VI* Learning Ancient Greek Linear B Vol. VII* Learning Ancient Greek Linear B Vol. IIX* Linear B Volume I* Linear B Volume II* Linear B Volume III* Linear B Volume IV* Learning Mycenaean Linear B and English Glossary * From ancient Greek Cretan Hieroglyphs to Greek Linear writings * Ancient Greek Cretan Hieroglyphs ... Read more

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This monograph presents a full discussion of the current research in late-Bronze Age III pottery in Crete. The contributors of the 12 essays are archaeologists presently studying late-Minoan (LM) III pottery, preferably from stratified excavations in the significant LM settlements and tombs of Crete, as well as scholars who have already published their findings. The book presents material from important excavations in Crete. Also included is a useful, ten-page chart organising the names, with line drawings of the 78 prevailing vase types of the period. Additional essays provide background for the appreciation of previously published articles and monographs on LM III pottery by highlighting past and current controversies, most confined to the development of Minoan pottery. The late-Bronze Age III in Crete is a relatively new area of research; a definition of the current situation was deemed necessary as a starting point to the future exchange of ideas and experiences. ... Read more

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This volume is the second in the series of final reports on the work of the Kavousi Project and the first volume on the cleaning (1982-1984) and excavations (1987-1992) at the mountain sites located above the modern village of Kavousi in eastern Crete. These sites, Vronda and the Kastro, shed light on the Early Iron Age, the transitional period in Cretan history known popularly as the Dark Ages, thereby elucidating the way of life of the people who lived in the area of Kavousi during that period and how their culture changed over time. Kavousi IIA is devoted to the excavation of material from the Late Minoan IIIC settlement at Vronda, particulary the houses on the summit of the Vronda ridge (Buildings A-B, C-D, J-K, and Q), along with earlier (Building P) and later (Building R) structures around them. ... Read more

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The `unexplored mansion', adjoining the Little Palace at Knossos was discovered by Arthur Evans but left undug. It was eventually excavated by Popham between 1967 and 1973. The mansion and its contents date from 1550 to 1200 BC-most of the finds belong to Late Minoan II, around 1425 BC, when the building was severely damaged by fire. They include over 200 decorated vases, a full range of storage and kitchen pots, bronze and stone vessels and tools, sealstones, religious figurines, and clay crucibles for bronze working. As the largest collection of objects of this period they contribute greatly to our understanding of this crucial stage in the island's history, when it had fallen under the domination of Mycenaean Greece. ... Read more

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A thorough study of the entire corpus of Minoan roundels - a unique type of admistrative document which took the form of a clay disk with seal impressions on the rim and linear A signs on the faces. They were never attached to objects and are only found with linear A inscriptions. Hallager makes comparisons with other types of Minoan administrative documents and looks in detail at the seal impressions and inscriptions, making comparisons with other types of sealed documents. He concludes that they were used for local administrative purposes. The catalogue is contained in a separate volume, each item described in detail with photographs. ... Read more

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In this book is presented hitherto unpublished finds from the Minoan Palace periods discovered in major and minor excavations of recent years in the central, eastern and northern Aegean. The sites in the Aegean are Thera, Ios, Karpathos, Rhodes, Lemnos and Samothrace, while the west coast of Asia Minor are represented with the Urla peninsula (Cesme), Teichioussa, Iasos, Miletus and Troy. The papers discuss finds such as pottery, loom weights, other small finds, administrative written and sealed documents, and architecture seen in relation to questions like trade, 'minoanising' and colonization. The central issues of the conference are discussed among Aegean scholars in the last chapter. ... Read more

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A virtual reconstruction of the Minoan Cemetery at Phourni, Archanes (Crete), examining the use of Tholos Tomb C and Burial Building 19 and the role of illumination, in relation to mortuary practices and the perception of life and death by the living. This computer-based research provides scientists with an alternative reading of the dataset from the Minoan cemetery at Phourni, Archanes; the analysis attempts to evaluate the tomb architecture, use, visual impact, and capacity over different time periods, as well as the contribution of light to determine not only practical purposes, but also philosophical and religious beliefs. ... Read more

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Pseira, a tiny islet near the coast of eastern Crete, has been called a priceless jewel in Crete's archaeological crown. In 1906 and 1907, the American archaeologist Richard Seager unearthed the extensive remains of a Bronze Age village on Pseira. Little was known about this site until a joint Greek-American project directed by Philip P. Betancourt and Costis Davaras returned to the island in 1985. This is the first volume in a series of final publications on the joint American-Greek archaeological excavations at Pseira in northeast Crete. The site is a seaport dating from the end of the Final Neolithic until the Late Minoan period. This volume presents a series of houses whose main period of occupation is Late Minoan IB. The architecture is constructed of stone and remarkably well preserved. The text includes detailed catalog entries, profile drawings, and stone-by-stone architectural plans. ... Read more

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Volume four in the series of final reports on the Bronze Age town of Pseira located on Pseira island just off the coast of Crete. This volume reports on the architectural remains and associated finds from Areas B, C, D and F, including pottery, stone tools, lithics, fauna and micro-fauna. ... Read more

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A study of extra-urban sanctuaries in Minoan and early Iron Age Crete. The study includes a catalogue of the clay finds from the Psychro cave high in the Cretan mountains and sacred to the Cretan Zeus. They have never been published but comprise a large assemblage of ritual objects dating from the Middle Minoan period right through to Roman activity. Watrous traces the history of cult activity at this cave and draws comparisons with other such cave and mountain sanctuaries in Crete. A large number of photographs accompany the catalogue. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A wonderful book about a wonderful subject
If like me you're interested in ancient wall paintings, this is a book for you. There are not many books about this subject, and I was very happy to find it. My fascination with these paintings is the joy and happiness they portray. The vibrant way people, birds, dolphins and flowers are portrayed by these ancient artists show a enormous love for life itself. That makes these paintings so special for me, much more than just their historical meaning. Now don't expect a very thick book with photographs of many wall paintings in prime condition. That is impossible with this archeological subject. And the male homoeroticism aspect can be found with some imagination, but only if you realy look for it. The book itself is of a very high quality, printed on high gloss thick paper and with excellent photographs.

First hand experience
I was able to work at the excavation in Thera, and this book is really quite helpful in understanding the civilization that lived that lived in Ancient Akrotiri.The book has excellent photographs of the wall-paintings that depict everyday life in Ancient Akrotiri--some paintings that you will probably only see in this book!There is also a wonderful commentary on these wall-paintings by the head of the excavation, C. Doumas, not only explaining what the pictures depict, but also narrating where and how they were found.A good investment, and a wonderful book! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Palaikastro Kouros
This is a highly specialized text but for anyone interested in the Late Minoan era it is crucial. Even a non-archaeologist like myself quite enjoyed this book. It was great preparation for my visit to the Sitea Museum and Palaikastro. It is expensive, but is you are interested in Minoan history it is very worthwhile. ... Read more

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This digital document is an article from Encyclopedia of Clothing and Fashion, brought to you by Gale®, a part of Cengage Learning, a world leader in e-research and educational publishing for libraries, schools and businesses.The length of the article is 5670 words.The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase.You can view it with any web browser.This encyclopedia presents the social and cultural history of childhood from antiquity to the present. Children and Childhood examines this history through articles on education, parenting, child labor, economics, images of childhood, children's literature, play, toys and games, health, physiology, law, the criminal justice system and social welfare. Comparative articles include information about childhood in cultures throughout the world. ... Read more